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Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham sent Lionel Messi a welcome message as the Argentina captain completed a move to the MLS club as a free agent.
Messi was officially announced as a new player of the club on Saturday, July 15. Beckham sent a heartwarming message to the 36-year-old upon his move, saying (via Evening Standard):
“10 years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city. Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much."
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David Beckham further added:
“Today that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s caliber is joining our club, but I am also delighted to welcome a good friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community. The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch.”
Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami is expected to give unprecedented exposure to US Soccer. The United States will host the 2024 Copa America, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hence, Messi might have arrived at the right time to elevate the craze for the sport in the US.
David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and more: List of legends who have graced the MLS
David Beckham was always a popular figure among fans since the start of his football career. Along with his unquestionable on-field skills, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar had a certain brand value about him.
He could be considered among the first big superstars to grace the MLS as the Englishman played for LA Galaxy. He also bought Inter Miami almost 10 years ago but the club started competing in 2018.
As Lionel Messi has now joined Inter Miami, we take a look at some of the most prominent names in world football to ever play in the Major League Soccer. There are a few famous players who have done so.
The likes of Gareth Bale, Frank Lampard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry, Andrea Pirlo, and David Villa have played in the MLS, albeit in the later stages of their careers.
